25" x 48" Hobby Workbench Design

A Simple Workbench

Many home stores carry butcherblock slabs in different sizes. 

4x4 Cedar posts are also readily available in most areas. 

This bench design is made from a 25" x 48" x 1.5" thick slab of Birch butcherblock. Home Depot, Menards, Lowes etc. also carry 6' and 8' and 10' long slabs. The legs are  4x4 (3.5" x 3.5") cedar.  The legs attach to the top with a CNC cut tenon array. An example is shown here: Simple Desk. Stretchers are solid Birch and tenon into the sides of the legs. In assembly belt clamps around the legs helped pull the stretchers tight until the glue dried. 

Solid and Sturdy

The legs flare out a few degrees for a more stable stance. A shelf could be added atop the stretchers if desired. 

While not the 3" or thicker slab of 2x4s that makers often glue up for a bench top, this hardwood top is solid and stiff.  A bench vise would be a good addition.  Hang a drawer or two on the underside of the top for storage.  Apply 3 coats of finish on top and bottom of the top to stabilize it against bowing or splitting. 

The photos here are of a scale model I made.  The college I taught at was remodeling their workshop and needed more student workbenches. I made this model to present one option for them to consider.   Same construction and materials used as intended for full sized versions. Small details such as the mortises and tenons were cut using my CNC.  

Some stores carry wider butcherblock slabs.  A  36" x 72" slab would make a larger bench for those who need room to spread out their work. The same simple base would work with slightly longer stretchers in both directions. 

Questions and comments encouraged and welcome. 

4D.